Lincroft streetscape program ready to go Facade program to be extended to other parts of township

Lincroft streetscape program ready to go
Facade program to be
extended to other parts
of township

MIDDLETOWN — Good looks are on the agenda for some of the township’s business districts.

Lincroft will benefit from a streetscape program, while leftover funds allocated to a Campbell’s Junction facade program will now also be used in North Middletown and Lincroft, the Township Committee agreed last week.

For some time, Lincroft residents have anticipated the benefits of a streetscape program. Now that program will soon become a reality. The funds are in place. Priorities have been determined, and the township is "ready to go" with its plans to improve the looks in Lincroft’s business hub.

The township’s engineering firm, T&M Associates, Middletown, has recommended that the township spend $330,000 on the project. Township officials agree.

Though no money has been spent yet, the plans are in place and the funds have been allocated. Now, according to Planning Board officials, all that needs to be determined is what will be tackled first. By all indications, start-up could ensue any day now.

The first phase, according to Planning Board Director Anthony Mercantante, will probably include installation of "street furniture" — planners’ language for anything that decorates the streets, such as planters, bike racks and trash receptacles.

The Lincroft Village Task Force, the group formed to consult on the project and provide residents’ input, will also have a say in what is accomplished first.

As an aside to the better looks that the streetscape program is slated to bring, Township Committee members worked out the idea Nov. 6 of extending the facade program in place at Campbell’s Junction to include Lincroft and North Middletown as well.

The committee interjected that extension of the facade program would be advisable, as funds for the Campbell’s Junction program were not expended. The Planning Board confirmed that only one business took advantage of the facade program.

The program allocates $10,000 for the improvement of each storefront participating in the program. The business owner is obligated to spend $7,000 on his facade with the township supplementing the funds with another $3,000.

Middletown Mayor Rosemarie Peters said that although many stores in Lincroft have already privately completed facade improvements, "to extend the offer to others would be a nice offer to make available."

Reinventing the program to make it available to businesses in at least two other areas throughout the township is an option all were amenable to.

The planning office was unable to confirm the amount of money leftover from the Campell’s Junction improvement project for the extension of the program.